Floppytable keeps the floppy disk alive in coffee table form

Floppy disks are a rare sight these days, having been superseded by much more efficient data storage media. Still, they enjoyed a long life, becoming commercially available in 1971 and still being used 30 years later. Now, they're enjoying retirement, but just because a product is no longer cutting edge doesn't mean its better qualities should be dismissed out of hand. And floppy disks have certain design qualities that, as it turns out, make for a rather interesting coffee table.

Created by Neulant van Exel, a Berlin-based design duo comprised of an architect and a sculptor, Floppytable sees the floppy disk blown up to epic proportions given a set of sturdy legs. The result is a rather attractive (though admittedly industrial) coffee table which would make the perfect centerpiece to any computer geek's living room.

The devil is in the detail though, and Floppytable has all the small elements that those of us who used floppy disks for many years will enjoy noticing. The thin metal shutter has made it in to the design of the table, and it actually moves from side to side to hide/reveal a secret compartment perfect for storing remote control units. Also present are the arrows and notches that most people probably didn't even pay attention to when they formed part of the disk. It's a little harder not to notice them when they're an integral part of your coffee table.

Made from a combination of hot-rolled steel and stainless steel Floppytable measures 70 cm wide x 45 cm tall x 65 cm deep (28" x 18" x 26") and is available to buy as a special order from Neulant van Exel for €720 (US$930) plus shipping.

Dave is a technology journalist with a ravenous appetite for gadgets, gizmos, and gubbins. He's based in the U.K., and from his center of operations writes about all facets of modern and future technology. He has learned more in his five years writing for the Web than he did in 11 years at school, and with none of the boring subjects thrown in to the mix. All articles by Dave Parrack